WASHINGTON (CNN) - A new poll suggests that the number of Americans who believe the country is ready for a black president is on the rise.

Seventy-six percent of those polled in a CNN/Essence Magazine/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Thursday say that the country is ready. That's up 14 points from December 2006, at the start of the presidential campaign.

"Some of the increase in the number of Americans who say the country is ready for a black president is a simple recognition of Barack Obama's success in the Democratic primaries," said Keating Holland, CNN's polling director.

soundoff(218 Responses)

Suppose that a new poll suggests that the number of Americans who believe the country is ready for a woman to be President! Than this research would be nonsens.

April 3, 2008 07:14 pm at 7:14 pm |

Greg, VA

I realize CNN moderators will most likely not post this comment since it does not fall in line with their propaganda, but here goes anyway: We may be ready for a black president, but one with experience, accomplishments, know-how, and maturity. Too bad Obama does not possess any of those traits. He'll never make it in the general election. By the way, Obama claims to be a Christian? Excuse me, there is nothing Christian about his pastor, mentor, friend, and member of his campaign. No Christian minister would spew the hate for his country and fellow man as Rev. Wright has done consistently. For 20 years, Obama sat in a pew, listening and agreeing until he got caught. Now he wants us to all believe he's had a change of heart and can suddenly distance himself from Wright's rhetoric. Notice, he has not distanced himself from his racist, America-hating mentor, just his rhetoric. And so many of you empty heads bought it.

April 3, 2008 07:22 pm at 7:22 pm |

Asolutely, but not Obama

hey what happened to my comment?

April 3, 2008 07:57 pm at 7:57 pm |

Vig

Well, here's another Obama favoritism – did they poll people to see if they are ready for a woman president? Well, did you punk?

April 3, 2008 08:06 pm at 8:06 pm |

Jordan Walker Potsdam, NY

I am an 18 year old college student that is in favor of Obama. People like to attack on Obama's experience. If that is Clinton's major attacking point, as a NY citizen I would like to know what she has done for NY. I honestly don't know. Please tell me all of the experiences of the last few presidents. The last president with major experience was Lyndon B. Johnson.

April 3, 2008 08:10 pm at 8:10 pm |

vic nashville,Tn

USA is ready black president But not for Obama

April 3, 2008 08:12 pm at 8:12 pm |

Julie, MD

As an African American woman, I know that the real issue isn't the fact that Barack is black. The real issue is that he is genuine, and honestly wants to help the country. I'm voting for Barack because he is the best candidate, and the fact that he's black is icing on the cake for me.

He's also the most visionary, look how he has change this election already.

April 3, 2008 08:24 pm at 8:24 pm |

John

America is over due for a change, yes we can.
All of you calling for Collin Powell to be resident is like having Bush and Republicians again, no more of that.

April 3, 2008 08:25 pm at 8:25 pm |

lily

CNN Do you just make them up as you go along! Please ,everyone knows by now who YOU favor!!!! Do you really think we are all that stupid!
Obama,Obama,Obama that's all I hear...I have watched CNN for many years now,but have never been so ashamed as I am of your reporting bias...You should all be ashamed ,talk about prejudiced!! Help me understand what it is you have on your small reporting minds!!!!!

April 3, 2008 08:32 pm at 8:32 pm |

Hillary Fighter

Yes we are ready...Though the question becomes is he readY????

Hillary is the ready on day one..

Obama is a rookie in every facet of presidential questions..

He has the most liberal record..

Latinos for HIllary 08!

April 3, 2008 08:35 pm at 8:35 pm |

An American in Canada

WHAT AMERICA IS READY FOR IS A FEMALE PRESIDENT,

AND OUR FINEST PRESDIENT WILL BE HILLARY R. CLINTON

DESPITE ALL THE MEDIA FAVORITISM TOWARDS OBAMA HILLARY R CLINTON WILL BECOME THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE AND BECOME THE NEXT AMERICAN PRESIDENT IN 2009

SHE IS DESTINED TO BECOME THE FINEST PRESIDENT AMERICA HAS HAD IN YEARS.

SHE HAS SOLUTIONS
SHE HAS PLANS
SHE HAS OUR FAVORITE EX-PRESDIENT BILL CLINTON AS HER SOUNDING BOARD WHAT A BETTER CONFIDENT FOR ANY FUTURE PRESIDENT.

HILLARY WILL BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT
BY THE PEOPLE
FOR THE PEOPLE
AND WITH THE PEOPLE... GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

April 3, 2008 08:36 pm at 8:36 pm |

jdona

We don't mind a president who is black, we just mind if the president is Barack Obama, who just happens to be black! Make a distinction between the two. I'd STILL vote for Colin Powell in a heartbeat!

April 3, 2008 08:36 pm at 8:36 pm |

Debby

Maybe the heading should have read are Americans ready for a non-experienced President. I think the superdelegates should keep their traps shut to about Clintons remarks. They can play God with who they want for the nominee, but not in the general election. Obama needs Clinton supporters to win the Presidency and if ticked off they will go to McCain.

April 3, 2008 08:41 pm at 8:41 pm |

DemHypocrisy

Who did you poll? Come on CNN get off Obama's poll

April 3, 2008 08:43 pm at 8:43 pm |

DemHypocrisy

Its Hilary or John, no Obama

April 3, 2008 08:44 pm at 8:44 pm |

MD

The media must stop polling Americans based on race. Why can't America get over skin color, and concentrate on the qualities of the candidates?

If Obama were green, yellow, or blue, I would still change my political affiliation (err...I am currently a registered Republican) and vote for him, should he win the nomination.

So hurry up Hillary. Quit, so America can get on with its life.

April 3, 2008 08:47 pm at 8:47 pm |

MD

Clinton is not honest, nor is she dignified.

She just told a pack of lies about her pathetic trip to Bosnia just to make herself look important, and feigned memory loss when the media called her on her lies with vivid video footage.

Even if you want to stick your head in the sand and believe she is honest (shudder) and dignified (more shudder), do you really want to vote for a 60 year old PERSON who is suffering from acute memory loss? Will THAT make a dependable commander-in-chief to answer the call "at 3 a.m.?"

April 3, 2008 08:54 pm at 8:54 pm |

Bella from Florida

I am ready for Hillary to be President. She is the most qualified and her plan will help every American in this country. If Obama has divided the country now ,what will happen if he is President. I am not ready for a president that has only been a Senator for 2 years. I personally think he is very arrogant. I think he will be the President of the elite in this country and not the people.